Expert: Leisha Hiester - 3/31/2009

Question
Hello:

Does anyone still sell Africana opaque stains?  I haven't done ceramics for a number of years and want to start again.  Also, I understand that these stains can be rejuvinated if they dry out.  Do you know what needs to be done?

The only links I can find on the internet about these stains are from allexperts.com.

Answer
Louise,

I think Africana went out of business, but there are similar products out there.

Sometimes stains & glazes can be rejuvenated. I've picked up some even from garage sales & been successful revitalizing them.

I cover the dried out jar barely with water and let stand overnight. Sometimes it may take a few days to soften the material. It then has to be properly mixed. For small amounts you can mix by hand, for larger amounts a blender or even a squirrel cage paint mixer in a bucket.

I always test first before using on a project. I keep small broken pieces in my studio just for this purpose. Or you can try it out on the bottom of a piece first.

Hope this is helpful, Leisha